PHYSICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL DEMANDS OF ELITE INTERNATIONAL FEMALE FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS DURING COMPETITIVE MATCH PLAY

The aim of the current investigation was to quantify the physical and physiological demands of elite international female field hockey match play across halves of play. Thirty-eight participants (24 +/- 5 years; 173 +/- 5 cm; 72 +/- 5 kg) took part in 19 competitive matches during the 2014-2015 season. Participants were monitored with global positioning system technology and heart rate monitors. Players were categorized based on 3 different playing positions. Activity was categorized into total (m), high-speed running distance (m; >16 km.h(-1)), and relative distance (RD) (m.min(-1)) due to the use of rolling substitutions. Heart rate was classified based on the percentage of players' individual peak heart rate (HRpeak) determined by a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test. Players spent on average 44 +/- 7 minutes in match play. The total distance (TD) covered was 5,558 +/- 527 m (125 +/- 23 m.min(-1)) with 589 +/- 160 m (13 +/- 4 m.min(-1)) completed at high speed. Defenders covered a greater TD compared with other positions of play (p <= 0.001). Midfield players covered a greater distance at high speed (p <= 0.001) with the forwards having a higher relative distance (p <= 0.001). The HRpeak of the players was 199 +/- 1 b.min(-1) with a mean exercise intensity of 86 +/- 7.8% of HRpeak. The time spent >85% HRpeak decreased significantly across the halves (p = 0.04, eta(2) = 0.09, small). Defenders were found to spend more time >85% HRpeak when compared with forwards (p <= 0.001). The current investigation provides normative data that coaches should consider when constructing training regimen.